A systematic concept analysis of mental health promotion

This study explored and clarified the nature and characteristics of the concept of mental health promotion. The study also investigated how these characteristics appear in current policies and strategies. A total of 30 scientific articles and policy documents were identified and analysed using Rodgers’s systematic evolutionary concept analysis method. The analysis provided valuable information on the attributes, related concepts, antecedents, consequences and references of mental health promotion, indicating that the concept is a distinct concept comprising a unique set of attributes and characteristics. A concept mapping of mental health promotion was subsequently developed. The analysis and the concept mapping provide health professionals, policy-makers and researchers with a framework, upon which well-grounded mental health promotion practice and evaluation research can be based.     

The “neuro” of neuroblastoma: Neuroblastoma as a neurodevelopmental disorder

Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer derived from cells of neural crest origin. The hallmarks of its enigmatic character include its propensity for spontaneous regression under some circumstances and its association with paraneoplastic opsoclonus, myoclonus, and ataxia. The neurodevelopmental underpinnings of its origins may provide important clues for development of novel therapeutic and preventive agents for this frequently fatal malignancy and for the associated paraneoplastic syndromes. Ann Neurol 2016;80:13–23     

Closing Gaps: Strength-Based Approaches to Research with Aboriginal Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

There is substantial literature on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) research involving Aboriginal children, but little related literature on other common neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or cerebral palsy (CP) for this population. As part of our work in cross-cultural neuroethics, we examined this phenomenon as a case study in Canada. We conducted semi-structured interviews with health researchers working on the frontline with First Nation communities to obtain perspectives about: (1) reasons for the lack of ASD and CP research within the Aboriginal context, (2) the potential ethical and social implications of this disparity, and (3) recommendations for change. Participants reported that the major barriers to engage in ASD or CP research are under-reporting and under-diagnosis of these conditions in Aboriginal communities, difficulties in establishing trust between community members and researchers, challenges in accessing children living under the care of child welfare services, and lack of support from universities and funding agencies to encourage community partnerships. They further perceived threats to justice as the population is denied the benefits of ASD and CP research, and stigma related to the possible over-representation of FASD in the population. The adoption of strength- and community-based practices to improve engagement and address disparities, and to create health databases with prevalence rates that are representative of all forms of disability in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations are critical steps to close these gaps.